quintessential

adjective

ˌkwin-tə-ˈsen(t)-shəl How to pronounce quintessential (audio)
Definition of quintessentialnext
as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated Helen of Troy was supposedly the quintessential beauty of the ancient world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of quintessential In some ways, Hanania is a quintessential populist success story. — Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 19 July 2026 In Driftwood proper, there’s a private barn apartment that sits on a working horse farm, providing a quintessential Hill Country escape peppered with oak trees and rolling hills. — Kat Stinson, Travel + Leisure, 18 July 2026 The Balsam Hill Slim Unlit Artificial Christmas tree creates a quintessential holiday backdrop for all of your happiest moments. — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026 The historic Colorado opera company is celebrating the anniversary with a new production that captures this quintessential Colorado story. — Libby Smith, CBS News, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessential
  1. classic
  2. exemplary
  3. perfect
  4. archetypal
  5. definitive
  6. excellent
Adjective
  • For the first official day of the con, SDCC gave us reimaginings of classic tales.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 24 July 2026
  • The classic, beachy dive bar right on Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach was a familiar haunt for the Orange County native, but on this random Tuesday afternoon, Turcs was filled with an audience twice the 32-year-old’s age.
    — Josh Chesler, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
Definition of classic
Adjective
  • The service is exemplary, and the mansion was far from overcrowded on Friday night.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
  • Burns leaned on his exemplary short game in Friday’s second round.
    — Justin Ray, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Definition of exemplary
Adjective
  • Despite Clarity’s choppy obstacle course, the tedious and frustrating tradition of counting votes and lining up bipartisan yeahs, Member by Member, is a tactic the crypto industry has time to employ and perfect.
    — Cleve Mesidor, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • The dinner theme is Paris, which is perfect for Joy, or at least should be.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 July 2026
Definition of perfect
Adjective
  • Lestat remembers himself like a bit of an archetypal fairytale babe in the woods in the recounting of his human life.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 22 June 2026
  • Just over two miles south of the historic village of Tintagel, Trebarwith is a wild, archetypal north‑coast beach—a mile‑long sweep of golden sand and rocky outcrops visible only at low tide.
    — Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Definition of archetypal
Adjective
  • Like many of the club’s acquisitions, Straus’ had been lauded as a definitive step in the right direction for a team that has largely underperformed.
    — Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Americans are increasingly seeking innovative therapies for aging, chronic pain and longevity; often faster than science can provide definitive answers.
    — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of definitive
Adjective
  • The roofline leaves enough headroom for actual adults, the cargo area is genuinely useful, and visibility remains excellent.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 July 2026
  • City Colleges of Chicago, the University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago State University and National Louis University, among others, have built their reputations on the premise that everyone deserves access to an excellent education.
    — Andrea Sáenz, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
Definition of excellent

Browse Nearby Words

quintessences
quintessential
quintet
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Cite this Entry

“Quintessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quintessential. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of quintessential for Spanish Speakers

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